Haliburton Highlands: Hiking, Canoeing and Arts Scene Guide

Haliburton Highlands is Ontario’s quieter, artsier, less-developed alternative to Muskoka. Where Muskoka trades on celebrity cottages, resort hotels, and polished lakeside towns, the Haliburton Highlands — the lake-and-forest landscape immediately east of Algonquin Provincial Park — feel genuinely rural. The population across the entire region is around 20,000 year-round; the lakes (600+ of them) are smaller and more densely packed; the towns have retained their main-street character; and the long-established summer arts community has produced a cluster of artist studios, craft galleries, and the Haliburton School of Art + Design that gives the area a creative identity no other Ontario cottage region can match. For travellers who want the lakes-and-forest experience without the Muskoka price tag or polish, Haliburton is the answer.

This guide covers the main towns, what to do, where to stay, and how Haliburton compares to the more famous cottage regions. For related destinations, see Muskoka, Kawarthas, and Algonquin Park.

The geography

Haliburton County sits between Algonquin Park to the west and the Kawarthas to the south, with Muskoka to its west-southwest. The landscape is classic Canadian Shield — granite bedrock exposed by glaciers, hardwood forest (maples, birches, oaks) that produces the most spectacular fall colour in Ontario outside Algonquin, and the chain of lakes that defines the region’s identity. Haliburton village is the main commercial centre; Minden is the historic county town; Dorset on Lake of Bays (technically the Muskoka border) and Wilberforce to the east round out the main population centres.

The area is traversed by two main routes: Highway 35 (north-south, the main access from Toronto via Highway 115) and Highway 118 (east-west, connecting to Bracebridge in Muskoka and Bancroft to the east).

What to do

Canoeing and paddling

The density of small to medium lakes — most of them quiet, most of them navigable by canoe — makes Haliburton exceptional for paddlers without the multi-day-portage commitment of Algonquin. Key paddling areas:

• Kennisis Lake, Redstone Lake, Haliburton Lake: Large lakes with developed shorelines; good for day paddling.
• Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park: 33,500 hectares of wild lakes and forest between Haliburton and Muskoka; canoe-in campsites; limited access.
• Frost Centre: Historical forestry station with canoeing and hiking.

Outfitters in Haliburton village and Minden rent canoes and kayaks by the day (CAD $30-50 per day) or week. Algonquin Outfitters has a Haliburton location.

Hiking

The Haliburton Highlands Water Trails network covers 600+ km of canoe and hiking routes. Specific notable hikes:

• Haliburton Forest Wolf Centre trail (Haliburton Forest, 80,000 acres of private forest with trails open to visitors for a fee). The Wolf Centre houses a resident pack of eastern timber wolves in a large natural enclosure — a genuine conservation programme rather than a zoo.
• Skyline Park in Haliburton village: Short hike with views over the village and lakes.
• Glebe Park trails (Minden): Network of easy-to-moderate trails through mixed forest.

Arts and crafts scene

The Haliburton School of Art + Design (part of Fleming College) is the anchor of the region’s arts identity. Summer courses draw students from across Canada and produce a constant stream of visiting artists. Beyond the school:

• Haliburton Arts Council Studio Tour (usually late September): Dozens of local artist studios open for weekend visits.
• Rails End Gallery and Arts Centre (Haliburton): Regional public gallery.
• Agnes Jamieson Gallery (Minden): Permanent collection of Andrea “André” Lapine paintings plus rotating exhibitions.
• Haliburton Highlands Museum (Haliburton): Regional history and rotating exhibitions.

Fall colour

Haliburton produces some of Ontario’s best fall colour — arguably rivalling Algonquin with less crowding. Peak runs late September to mid-October. Best drives:

• Highway 35 from Minden to Dorset: Classic driving route; pull-offs every few kilometres.
• Highway 118 east from Haliburton village to Wilberforce: Less-travelled, equally spectacular.
• Eagle Lake Road and Redstone Lake Road: Back-road scenic drives.

Winter

Haliburton has developed into one of Ontario’s quieter winter destinations — an alternative to the crowds at Blue Mountain. Options:

• Sir Sam’s Ski/Ride (near Eagle Lake): Small family ski area, 168m vertical, 17 runs; good for beginners and intermediates.
• Haliburton Forest Snowmobile Trails: Over 300 km of groomed trails.
• Haliburton Highlands Nordic: 50 km of groomed cross-country ski trails.
• Dog sledding: Winter Dance Dog Sled Tours runs guided tours.

Where to stay

Haliburton village: Central for shopping and dining; Pinestone Resort (condo-style) is the main developed accommodation; several B&Bs.

Minden: Quieter; small-town feel; limited accommodation but good for food and shopping.

Cottage rentals: The defining Haliburton experience. Cottages on the larger lakes (Kashagawigamog, Kennisis, Redstone, Eagle) are available for weekly rental through Cottage Country Rentals, Cottage Connection, and similar agencies. Summer weekly rentals typically run CAD $2,000-5,000 per week.

Resort options:

• Sir Sam’s Inn & WaterSpa (Eagle Lake): Full-service resort; four-season operation.
• Bonnie View Inn (Haliburton Lake): Traditional lodge; family-friendly.
• Wolf Den Nature Retreat (near Oxtongue Lake, Algonquin edge): Hostel-style accommodation near Algonquin.

Food and restaurants

Haliburton’s food scene has improved significantly in the past decade but is still modest by urban standards. Reliable stops:

• Rhubarb Restaurant (Minden): Farm-to-table; consistently rated the region’s best.
• Kosy Korner (Haliburton): Classic diner; family-friendly.
• Haliburton Highlands Brewing: Craft brewery with small kitchen.
• Molly’s Bistro Bakery (Haliburton): Casual lunch and baking.
• Flour and Flame (Minden): Wood-fired pizza.

Getting there

From Toronto: 2.5-3 hours via Highway 115/35 to Minden, then Highway 35 north to Haliburton. Last services for gas and groceries are in Minden — stock up before heading to remote cottages.

From Ottawa: 3.5 hours via Highway 7 and Highway 62/28.

No transit: Parkbus runs limited summer service from Toronto to Algonquin that stops near the Haliburton edge; otherwise a rental car is essential.

Haliburton vs Muskoka vs Kawarthas

Quick comparison for planners:

Factor	Haliburton	Muskoka	Kawarthas
Character	Rustic, arts-driven	Polished, established	Canal-connected waterway
Towns	Small, working	Built up for tourism	Mix of small + waterway towns
Accommodation	Cottages, small inns	Full-service resorts	Mix
Restaurants	Limited but improving	Strong dining scene	Good, mixed
Prices	Lowest	Highest	Mid-range
Crowds	Light	Heavy in season	Medium

For a dedicated comparison, see Muskoka vs Kawarthas (coming).

Related guides

• Muskoka — the polished cottage country alternative
• Kawarthas — the waterway-connected alternative
• Algonquin Park — immediately to the west
• Ontario cottage country guide — regional overview
• Algonquin fall colors — the neighbouring fall colour experience
• Ontario fall road trip — regional autumn routes

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